Senior Systems Administrator (Linux)

WildBrain; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the entertainment sector is seeking a Senior Systems Administrator (Linux) to ensure the performance of its animation production environment. You will manage servers, build containers, and optimize high-performance storage while collaborating with creative teams. Competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package offered, along with flexible remote work options.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

RRSP matching

Mental health resources

Vibrant work culture

Qualifications

• Expert-level knowledge of RHEL-based Linux environments.
• Proven experience with Docker and Kubernetes in production.
• Strong hands-on experience with monitoring tools like Grafana and Zabbix.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain RHEL servers for production tools and workloads.
• Manage Docker containers and orchestrate workloads using Kubernetes.
• Optimize distributed rendering environments and high-performance storage systems.

Skills

Automation

Collaboration

Networking

Security Mindset

Scripting in Bash

Scripting in Python

Observability Stacks

Container Management

Render Infrastructure

Tools

Grafana

Zabbix

Docker

Kubernetes

RHEL

Rocky Linux

Qumulo

Dell Isilon

IBM Spectrum Scale

Job description

Join to apply for the Senior Systems Administrator (Linux) role at WildBrain

WildBrain Studios is seeking a Senior Systems Administrator (Linux) to join our Systems Engineering/Infrastructure team. You’ll play a vital role in maintaining the high-performance computing environment that powers our animation production pipeline. From render farm orchestration and scalable storage systems to secure networking and containerized services, your contributions will directly impact the creative output of our artists and technical teams.

Responsibilities & Qualifications

• Install, configure, and maintain Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), Rocky Linux, servers supporting production tools, render workloads, and backend services.
• Build and manage Docker containers and orchestrate workloads using Kubernetes to enable scalable managed services, and developer environments.
• Deploy and maintain infrastructure monitoring tools such as Grafana and Zabbix for real-time alerting, capacity planning, and performance tuning.
• Administer and optimize high-performance shared storage platforms, including: Qumulo, Dell Isilon, Pixit Media (PixStor), and IBM Spectrum Scale (GPFS).
• Support distributed rendering environments (e.g., Deadline, Pixar Tractor), optimizing throughput and reliability for high-volume workloads.
• Work with Arista switches and associated tooling to ensure low-latency, high-availability networking across departments, storage arrays, and render clusters.
• Manage shared file systems via NFS and SMB; enforce secure access policies and ensure consistent mount performance across platforms.
• Implement firewall rules, harden systems, manage SELinux/AppArmor, and maintain compliance with TPN and industry security standards.
• Maintain and test automated backup strategies for critical systems and project data; ensure integrity of recovery processes.
• Develop and maintain Bash and Python scripts for task automation, system health checks, and workflow integrations.
• Partner with pipeline developers, IT support, render wranglers, and artists to ensure infrastructure meets production needs. Provide Tier 2/3 support for Windows and Linux-based systems and production issues.
• Maintain comprehensive system documentation, standard operating procedures, and runbooks for production and support staff.

What You’ll Bring

• Expert-level knowledge of RHEL-based Linux environments in an enterprise or studio setting.
• Proven experience with Docker and Kubernetes in production environments (ideally supporting render nodes or creative tooling).
• Strong hands-on experience with Grafana, Zabbix, or similar observability stacks for systems and application monitoring.
• Proficiency in Bash and Python scripting for automation and tooling.
• Solid experience with render infrastructure, render queue optimization, and distributed compute environments.
• Deep understanding of enterprise media storage systems: Qumulo, Isilon, PixStor, IBM Spectrum Scale.
• Working knowledge of Arista network switches, VLAN configuration, link aggregation, and low-latency studio networking.
• Familiarity with cloud services (AWS/GCP) for extending storage or rendering capacity on demand.
• A strong security mindset with experience implementing user permissions, auditing, and compliance protocols.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills for interfacing with creative and technical departments.
• Background in animation, VFX, or post-production environments is highly desirable.

WildBrain offers a comprehensive benefits package, RRSP matching, mental health resources, and a vibrant work culture. Our Vancouver studio in beautiful British Columbia provides a creative backdrop for our team, with options for remote work across BC, Canada, and globally.

Visit wildbrain.com/studios to learn more!

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WildBrain Studio is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity. We support a work environment welcoming all employees and accommodate disabilities throughout the hiring process. Please inform us of any accommodations needed.

Pay Range: $85,000 - $95,000 CAD per year. Compensation varies based on experience, responsibilities, and internal equity.

Job location: Hybrid/Flexible, Vancouver

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Information Technology

Industries

• Entertainment Providers